EghtesadOnline: The government is piling pressure on banks to put an end to their non-bank businesses by getting rid of surplus assets. The push appears to gain momentum in recent weeks as the Ministry of Economy and Finance last weekend unveiled an online auction system for this purpose.

EghtesaadOnline: While the government insists on lenders to get rid of their surplus properties, it seems that this is better said than done.

EghtesadOnline: The minister of economy and finance, Ehsan Khandouzi, said the government has fulfilled its promise and transferred surplus assets of banks to the tune of 580 trillion rials ($1.13 billion) by the end of the calendar year (March 20).

EghtesadOnline: Bank Saderat accounted for 22% or 145 trillion rials ($408.45 million) of the assets, followed by Bank Melli with 21% or 143 trillion rials ($402.8m ), Tejarat Bank 110 trillion rials ($309.8 m) and Bank Mellat 96 trillion rials ($270.4m).

EghtesadOnline: Economy Minister Farhad Dejpasand unveiled an online system that tracks surplus assets owned by banks and credit institutions.